Madonna's `blasphemous' act gets bad reviews from Rome's clerics

Madonna, as expected, went through with her mock crucifixion during a concert in Rome, leaving religious leaders in a snit, the BBC reported Monday.

Cardinal Ersilio Tonini, who spoke with the approval of Pope Benedict XVI, called the concert "a blasphemous challenge to the faith."

Madonna says the part of her show when she wears a crown of thorns and is raised on a cross while singing "Live To Tell" is an appeal for AIDS charities.

But Rev. Manfredo Leone of Rome's Santa Maria Liberatrice Church told the BBC it was "disrespectful" and "in bad taste."

Muslim and Jewish leaders in the city also raised objections.

The Italian news agency ANSA said the show Sunday also included a video clip in which the pope and former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi were shown alongside Adolf Hitler, Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.